Don’t Be Shy – Make A Statement!

When it comes to necklaces, my preferences lie on opposite ends of the spectrum. While I love the always-classy pearl necklace, I also like anything that makes a STATEMENT! The great thing about statement jewelry is the endless selection to choose from. Chunky beads, layered chains, festive jewels, and charming trinkets are just a sample of what to expect when embracing this highly conventional trend.

Adding personality to any outfit, statement necklaces are a must-have accessory for any season. Perfect for day and night, work or school, these pieces are essential to any girl’s wardrobe. While I am only profiling “statement necklaces,” oversized rings and stacked bangles are just as effective in obtaining a look distinctive to your personality.


My inspiration for this post came from a Juicy Couture e-mail featuring a statement necklace. Always a great source for cute charm bracelets and youthful accessories, Juicy doesn’t disappoint. Statement pieces that “demand attention” are exactly what attracted me to this trend.


Since the purpose of statement jewelry is to make you stand out, a certain level of uniqueness is essential. These two necklaces from Anthropologie include intricacies that any free-spirited girly-girl would find appealing. The Vernal Festoon Necklace (left) is one of my favorites. Not only do I find the vivid shades of pink, orange, lime green, and yellow extremely alluring, but it is also highly practical. With a silver chain and extra sparkly cubic zirconia stones, it would look superb paired with a solid t-shirt or simple dress. The same holds true for the second Anthropologie necklace. What I love about this is how effortless and low-maintenance it appears. Though strewn with a collection of sea shells and knick knacks, it remains simple yet stylish.


When it comes to fancy dinner parties and soirees, statement necklaces are the perfect addition to the traditional cocktail attire. In a sea of black dresses, every girl needs that one piece that will set her apart from the crowd. Both ladylike and sophisticated, this Kate Spade necklace (left) makes a bold statement with its black grosgrain bow and twinkling gold and black clusters. Another one by Kate Spade is in the spirit of Audrey Hepburn and her timeless style. Adorned with five pearl-centered white flowers, it is a perfect alternative for the traditional strand of pearls. The austerity of this minimalist piece makes it ideal for weddings, graduation ceremonies and any spring/summer day.


The great thing about J.Crew’s edgy version of the statement necklace is how effortless it appears. With multiple strands of gold and silver chains, the layering seems so natural. Nothing about this piece is too put together. I love how the glass crystals intertwine with the cascading chains to create a piece that is glamorously gothic. When paired with a black boyfriend blazer and a white t-shirt, it would be amazingly chic.


These two bohemian necklaces by Free People show that statement jewelry does not have to be flashy or gaudy. The gold and silver in this first necklace has a vintage feel to it. With its metal plated flowers appearing slightly rusted, it could easily pass as a family heirloom. This Medina Charm necklace has a similar understated effect. With its tribal-derived trinkets and primal colored beads, I am instantly reminded of the Aztec Indians.


Fallon Jewelry creates a great version of the bib necklace prevalent in many runway shows this season. With its blue glass beads and “dagger charms,” this piece is evocative of the Egyptian Nile River. Though somewhat garish, it would look stunning with a black dress.


Though pricey, this whimsical statement necklace by DANNIJO is anything but boring. With an eclectic assortment of “vintage glass beads,” “Swarovski crystals,” and sea shell fragments, it is truly one of a kind. Containing prominent sky-blue beads and handpicked sea shells, I am instantly nostalgic of the beach. When worn with a breezy “LWD” (little white dress), this necklace achieves a look of pure sophistication and femininity.

Hunter Boots: The Spring Wellies

Receiving an e-mail on Hunter rain boots from Bergdorf Goodman, I knew right away this would be my next blog post. As we leave the winter months behind, it is time to start thinking about the oh-so conventional (not to mention cute) rain boots, also known as “wellies” (nicknamed after the British Wellington boot which came of age in the 19th century). From trekking across campus on rainy days, I know how miserable it can be if you're not wearing rain boots.

There is a wide selection of rain boots and wellies that should please everyone from the eclectically inspired to the more sophisticated. In a variety of shapes and patterns, accessorized with accented details, the challenge is deciding which one to buy!


Since Bergdorf Goodman devoted their entire e-mail to Hunter boots, I will start my post with them. For numerous reasons, Hunter rain boots are on my list of current obsessions. Made in a variety of colors and styles, these heavy-duty boots may be the best on the market. In addition to the original Hunter (left), they have added shorter, lace-up boots and a clog. Only designed in solid colors, you never have to worry about having a mismatching outfit. These boots prove that simplicity takes you a long way.



Hunter’s recent collaboration with Jimmy Choo (above) makes these rain boots even more attractive. With a crocodile skin design, they barely resemble rain boots. For a high-fashion look, the collection contains several exciting options.


From Target’s Liberty of London collection comes these adorably patterned floral rain boots. With a palette of pastel pinks, blues, greens, and yellows, these wellies are everything a girly-girly could ask for. Reminiscent of Free People’s bohemian-chic designs, they would look great paired with a white eyelet skirt or dress. Because florals are in this season, these boots are everything I could ask for!


Burberry rain boots (left) are both classic and timeless. With their signature plaid print, they are the definition of British chic. When paired with one of Burberry’s renowned trench coats, you really cannot go wrong. Also from the UK are these wellies by Joules (right) that I have recently discovered. In a bright shade of green with a cute red grosgrain bow, captures the essence of femininity with its stylish yet practical design.


Marc Jacobs shows us that rain boots are not just about eclectic prints with this pristine white pair. The white quilted pattern set against the black heel achieves a look of pure sophistication. With a two-inch heel, it is easy to forget that these are rain boots. These rain boots by Jeffrey Campbell (right) caught my attention right away. Because of the rain boot’s sleek appearance and black color, they remind me of something worn at a runway show. I could easily see them slipped over a pair of skinny leg jeans.


Though Stuart Weitzman is most known for his extravagant stilettos, his rain boots are just as noteworthy. This one, covered in leopard print, would add a nice touch to any outfit. While exotic prints can be intimidating, when worn in moderation, they are great statement pieces. Another pair of Stuart Weitzman rain boots also grabbed my attention. In a bright rubber-ducky yellow, these rain boots are guaranteed to make you stand out, but in a good way. I absolutely love how Weitzman incorporates silver studs and metal wear to downplay the intense color. With either one of these Stuart Weitzman rain boots, rainy days will never be bland again!


What initially attracted me to See by Chloe’s rain boot were the colors. Something about the combination of light gray with fluorescent pink is so pleasing to the eye. Intricate details such as the pink shoe laces and thoughtfully crafted logo on the side keep it interesting but at the same time effortless.


I love how simple and understated these rain boots by Urban Outfitters are. Similar to the striped tee shirts that I previously commented on, these rain boots would complement any outfit. Set against black, the thin white stripes convey a non-distracting, effortless look. As a rule of thumb, I don’t think that you can ever go wrong with black and white.


Both of these ankle-length rain boots by Vivienne Westwood are very cute and classy. The level of understated sophistication is what makes these boots so likeable. Though a small addition, the black bow completely transforms what would otherwise have been a plain white rain boot. I also love how the black and white design is reminiscent of a tuxedo. Similarly, with Vivienne Westwood’s black version, the gold detail is a nice contrast to the sleekness of the black rain boot. I could easily see them paired with tights and a black skirt for a more edgy look.


Though a little too psychedelic for my taste, I like how Dav has transformed the traditional rain boot into one resembling a cowgirl boot. This unique twist is definitely effective in setting it apart from others. The broad spectrum of colors and designs is what ultimately makes this rain boot so distinctive and interesting.

Available in so many colors and designs, it is extremely hard to pick just one. No longer solely for rainy days, rain boots and wellies prove to be a great addition to any outfit!

You Need This: The Striped Tee

For my first post, I have decided to share my newly found love for the striped tee. Opening up this e-mail from Intermix, a high-end boutique and online store, I was immediately filled with excitement. While I admit striped shirts have never been my favorite, I now see them as a wardrobe staple.

In fashion, attention to detail is essential. Whether it is a simple embellishment or a slight alteration in the silhouette, details are what truly make a piece of clothing distinct. When shopping for clothes, I am definitely drawn to pieces that are unique and reflective of my personal style. My favorite designers are the ones who transform monotonous trends into ones that are fresh and innovative.

After browsing online, I came across dozens of variations of the striped t-shirt. All of the shirts that I selected below are unique in some way.


What initially attracted me to this Sonia by Sonia Rykiel long-sleeved t-shirt (left) is the ruffled hem found along the bottom. I love how the addition of ruffles with dynamic lines completely transforms what would otherwise have been a simple shirt.

This striped ¾ sleeve tee by Michael Stars (right) is another great option. Michael Stars’ tees are truly amazing. Created from the softest fabrics and designed in a variety of silhouettes, these shirts are great investment pieces. My favorite thing about this tee is the pocket and cropped length. With skinny black stripes set against the white of the tee shirt, it appears both classic and effortless at the same time.

Not only is this shirt from Forever 21 (left) incredibly affordable, but it is also conventional. With ruffled sleeves, it would look great tucked into a skirt or paired with jeans.

Topshop's (right) short-sleeved tee is fun, girly, and chic all at the same time. I like how the huge, black silk bow on the shoulder conveys a level of sophistication that cannot be found with the traditional striped tee.

Since the store Anthropologie had a tremendous selection of distinct striped shirts, I decided to feature a few of my favorites.

I was instantly drawn to this striped tank by Little Yellow Button (left) for its artistic detail. With green fringed appliqués made from felt, this tank exudes a very polished look. I especially love how the fabric gathers at the waist, creating a drapery effect.

While this tee by one.september (center) is fairly plain, it is refreshing to see the elaborate scrunching detail on the front with small hints of gold embroidery.

Also by Little Yellow Button is this adorable tee reminiscent of the character Blair Waldorf from the television show Gossip Girl. Adorned with delicate ivory blooms, I find this shirt absolutely irresistible. Though obviously a very feminine shirt, the zigzag stripes also make it very structured. While the contrast between the frilliness of the flowers and the bold zigzag stripes is unexpected, it definitely works.

This shirt by Gryphon (left) is one of my favorites. With a cropped length and attached golden star necklace, it was incredibly easy for me to fall in love with this top. It also contains thin, imperfectly painted black stripes that set it apart from similar shirts. The gold necklace and shoulder buttons contrast the white tone of the shirt to achieve a high level of sophistication.

In terms of high-fashion, I adore the late Alexander McQueen’s version of the striped shirt (right). Slightly oversized with solid and printed patches, McQueen’s tee is like no other. The mixing of prints and sparse use of violet is what makes this tee so visually appealing. Though the patches are random, they complement the top’s silhouette and large stripes. With his avant-garde design, McQueen redefines what the striped tee should be.

Finally, Topshop shows how versatile stripes can be with their striped tank featuring a “rock couple graphic.” Though far too edgy for my wardrobe, I definitely could see this tank top under a leather jacket with a pair of skinny leg jeans.

With so many options, I am ready to embrace the stripe trend that I once readily ignored. As the designer Marc Jacobs proves in his Spring 2010 Runway show, one should not be afraid to pair mismatched prints together in one ensemble.

Welcome to my blog!

Fashion is all around me. It doesn’t matter where I go or what I do, fashion seems to follow.

With over 50 new fashion-related e-mails in my inbox daily, I was overcome with a sudden bout of inspiration. For my blog, I want to write about what is fashionable RIGHT NOW!

What do I adore? Clunky multi-colored bangles, oversized sunglasses, flower-adorned headbands, oh-so-practical cardigans, strands of pearls, statement rings, floral skirts (actually all skirts), sky-high heels, and adorably-crafted flats are just a few of my favorites that I hope to profile on this blog.

Prior to forming my blog, I viewed numerous fashion blogs for inspiration. After much searching, I came across one that was the perfect fit: Tea with BG. This blog is a spin-off of another blog, iamfashion, that I followed religiously until the co-authors created separate blogs. I can relate to the writer, Barneys Girl ("BG"), when she pronounces her latest style obsessions because I feel exactly the same way.

While BG uses her blog as a place to discuss fashion and the latest happenings in her life, mine will solely be fashion-based. I want my blog to serve as a journal documenting the latest trends and, ultimately, become a springboard for me to express what I love - fashion. I will do this by selecting some of the more notable, eye-catching e-mails and searching for similar trends by other designers and retailers.

Most of all, I want my blog to be relatable. When it comes to shopping I am no retail snob – everything from Target and Urban Outfitters up to Saks Fifth Avenue is pretty good in my book.

Though this blog is an assignment for my popular writing class, I hope that it becomes much more. Along the way, I hope to bring a unique angle to fashion.